The Downs dream of new playground now a reality
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Cathy Garvey, Annemarie Corroon, Aoife Murphy, Aisling Walters, Paula McCormack, Sharon Crowley, Niamh Murtagh, Fionnuala Kenny, Bernie Martyn and Carly Kelly from The Downs Community Forum.Image 2 of 12
Holly Corcoran enjoying the new playground.Image 3 of 12
Arthur and Elliot White from Mullingar.Image 4 of 12
Max McCabe at the new playground.Image 5 of 12
Carmel Maguire and Derek Butler from The Downs NS.Image 6 of 12
Marie Haddigan, Cllr Andrew Duncan and Carmel Monaghan at the official opening.Image 7 of 12
Ciaran McGrath, Aidan Tuite and Ben Carroll, The Downs, at the opening of the playground.Image 8 of 12
Robyn and Melody Kelly from The Downs.Image 9 of 12
Ella Donoghue trying out the new equipment.Image 10 of 12
Darcy Nixon on the new slide.Image 11 of 12
Nicola and Cuan Reynolds from Cullion.Image 12 of 12
Esmer and Effren Tom at The Downs.What began as a response to the needs of the growing community in The Downs was celebrated with the opening of a new playground on bank holiday Monday.
The driving force behind the project was the group of local ladies who collaborated to create the playground, gym and recreational area for all ages and abilities.
Carley Kelly, chairperson, of the group, said: “Our initial vision was for just a playground, but with the help of a grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Westmeath County Council, it turned into one of dreams.”
Things started in December 2021 with a casual conversation about playgrounds, and, through word of mouth, a group of like minded women came together to see if they could get the project off the ground.
After their first official meeting in January 2022, they formed a committee and agreed objectives. Those included a playground and outdoor recreational area, which would be inclusive, multigenerational and accessible for people with mobility and sensory issues.
They had to identify a suitable location and raise funds for equipment, and they started with a public consultation led by the founding members, Carley Kelly, Sharon Crowley, Anne Marie Corroon, Kathy Garvey and Paula McCormack.
During that initial exploratory phase, the group met Mary Goldsberry and Dave Deering from the county council, who suggested a grant application through the Town and Village Scheme from The Department of Rural and Community Development.
The group took time to consider the equipment and design elements, and visited other playgrounds in the area for inspiration. They contacted several playground specialists for quotes for equipment and outdoor gym equipment – and the enormity of the fundraising task ahead became apparent.
In July 2022 Carley Kelly and Sharon Crowley approached The Downs GAA to ask them for a site, and after a few meetings, they agreed, and what once was a basketball court turned car park became the site for the playground.
The group also tackled the fundraising challenge and secured funding from the credit union and community action initiatives. The majority of the funds raised was through the successful and popular Trunk or Treat, in October 2022 and again in 2023. Those were magical events that highlighted the community spirit behind the project.
The events would not have been successful without the hard work and inspired vision of Niamh Murtagh. The group also ran a successful raffle tying in with The Downs Westmeath Championship run of 2022 and an enjoyable Christmas table quiz night. In December 2022, thanks to the representation of Peter Burke, TD, to Minister Heather Humphreys, the group secured the full grant amount.
With the necessary funding secured, the group planned and designed a playground to meet local needs. Planning permission was granted, and in January this year, groundworks commenced.
The group say they are delighted to have been able to deliver a space that incorporated their core values of inclusivity and sustainability in the heart of The Downs community.
“Over the course of two years, and due to our determination and belief in our project, we have turned our vision into a reality, and we will be eternally grateful to every single person who helped us along the way,” said Sharon Crowley.
Carley Kelly expressed thanks to The Downs community for their ongoing support, and their belief in the group. She also thanked the ladies on the committee “who have worked tirelessly on all the fundraising events we have run and in getting this fantastic project over the line”. The group plan to continue to add to and improve the equipment.
The Downs Community Forum are: Carley Kelly, Sharon Crowley, Anne Marie Corroon, Bernadette Martyn, Paula McCormack, Aoife Murphy, Kathy Garvey, Fionnuala Kenny, Niamh Murtagh, Aisling Walters.
Carley said: “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project, in particular the wonderful ladies on the playground committee, who drove this project from the start. Their hard work, dedication and determination are a credit to them and this project.”